Tinubu confers national honour on Bill Gates

Gates

By CHIKA CHIMEZIE

President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday in Lagos that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, inspires leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged.

The President, who conferred the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Gates, noted the renowned philanthropist’s interventions in maternal health, agriculture and infectious disease research.

President Tinubu thanked Gates for providing global leadership that prioritises ameliorating the lives and safety of the poor and underprivileged.

“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world.

“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.

“I thank you very much. It is a great thing to honour you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said Mr Gates’s recognition was well deserved, considering his long-term involvement in Nigeria’s national development.

“Bill Gates’ friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been working with him to transform lives across the country. From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and through other channels have invested more than $2 billion of its capital in various arenas that directly affect our people, whether in health care, agriculture, or the digital economy.